Insiders love old-world Bangkok – palaces, temples, flower and food markets, bustling streets and dilapidating buildings, close to the historic and mighty Chao Phraya River. The Riva Surya is a boutique hotel at the heart of this, with old Bangkok sois on one side and the river on the other. A short ride across the water on the hotel’s boat takes you to ‘Supatra River House’ in the old capital, the hotel’s sister restaurant that has its own unique story.